AutoDriven: Mazda MX-5

We love getting the opportunity to drive new cars - but we'd be lying if we didn't say there are some we look forward to more than others.

And there are few cars I've looked forward to driving more than the MX-5.

My enthusiasm comes from ownership of a 1970's MGB Roadster, which supplied open-top sporty driving to the masses and pretty much made it the MX-5 of its day.

The only downside for owners of these British classics is uncertainty whether, having left A, you are going to get to B under your own steam - that and bodywork demands gobbling up all your pocket money.

The prospect of driving a modern day equivalent minus the drawbacks was mouthwatering to say the least.

Like a Beatles record, it's now hard to imagine the MX-5 not existing. In looks it is the epitome of a roadster and now, following its third incarnation, it is making a determined effort to finally rebuff all those "hairdresser's car" insults with more manly looks.

Aggressive bodylines, more powerful engines and twin exhausts should appeal to all but the most insecure men. The 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels will help too.

It's hard to keep a smile from your face when sitting in the MX-5 for the first time and who would want to? As a vintage MGB owner it felt like someone had taken my old set of wheels and hurled them into the 21st Century.

Like the MGB, this car was made for the driver and if the cabin appeared on Blind Date and was asked to describe itself in one word it would probably say: "Ergonomic Cilla!"

The driver's seat is snug (in a good way - not like an estate agent's description) and supportive. The central arm rest and gearstick are in the right place - to the millimetre. Though, being picky, things start getting a little more awkward if you actually intend using the central and door cup holders.

Turn the key and the banalities of where you're going to stick your Diet Coke can are forgotten as you consider this is a car which demands to be driven - not used as a larder.

According to those clever fellas at Mazda the ride is all about "the oneness between horse and rider" and while that may raise a stifled snigger from one or two of you at the back, you know what they mean.

Driving an MX-5 is fun from the moment you get in until you sadly realise you've got to where you're going. It handles like a second skin and responds beautifully, spend a little more on the 2-litre version and you get a sixth gear which makes it even more fun.

Boasting a top speed of 130mph it'll still reward the wallet with a respectable 36.7 mpg average for the range-topping model.

If storage is a concern then you probably ended up on this page by accident but Mazda make the most of what there is with cubby holes behind the seats and a boot to take your weekend suitcase.

The size of the interior has been increased to cater for the six footers among us (well, Mazda claim you'll be OK if you're 6ft 1ins or under) and if you're any taller you could always take the top off, a very easy operation which can be achieved while sitting in the car - as can putting it back on again.

And unlike the ragtops of years gone by you can hear your music, what your passenger is saying and keep warm all at the same time.

Obviously there is more road noise than from a hard-top but it's really not that intrusive.

I certainly found my 60 minute drive of the 1.8-litre version was over all too quickly. So I got straight in the 2-litre and it went even quicker.

Can't get a much better recommendation than that can you?

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